ON VACATION AT THE OREGON COAST

I have been off the blog about two weeks. We took a vacation to the Oregon Coast. For those who have not been there it is as beautiful as the Maine Coast. We got our fix of the Pacific Ocean and all the great seafood that they catch there. We covered the area from Florence Oregon to Long Beach, Washington. Florence is a neat little fishing town on the edge of giant sand dunes. You can take ATV rides on the dunes which is great fun. Further north is the Seal Lion Caves where these animals live in a cave on the edge of the ocean. Then there is Heceta Head lighthouse a beautiful spot on the coast. Next Yachats a small village with lots of arts and crafts. Waldport is a town about 7 miles north of Yachats and there you can fish and crab in the bay. North of here at Seal Rock are some great tide pools. Newport is a tourist and fishing port. Lots to see and do. There is the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Oregon State Oceanology Lab. There is a big fishing fleet in this area at port. The next big town is Lincoln City with the Chinook Winds Casino and the Factory Outlet stores. All of these areas have great beaches but the water is so cold. But kids don't seem to mind as they wade in the water. There are many small towns as you go north of Lincoln City towards Astoria. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great stop. Watch cheese being made and then enjoy some cheese samples or buy a great ice cream cone. Cannon Beach is another nice seaside town. Lots of gift and art shops plus good food. Seaside is a beach town with a promenade that stretches for 1.5 miles. All kinds of entertainment and food. Astoria is on the Columbia River just about where it empties into the ocean. Ships go up and down the river. There is a good maritime museum plus the column on top of a hill where you can see the entire area. The area is dotted with neat Victorian houses. A long tall bridge connects Oregon to Washington. We went as far as Long Beach, Washington which is a vintage beach town. For part of the year you can drive on the beach. If you want a great vacation look at this area. Being a photographer I had lots of subjects to shoot from the ocean to elk, birds, lighthouses, people, boats etc.